James E. “Jim” Pearson, sculptor, artist and educator, 77, Ringwood, died Friday, May 19, 2017, at Alden Terrace Care Center, McHenry. A lifetime resident of McHenry County, he was born in Woodstock, Dec. 12, 1939, the son of John and Arline (Harrison) Pearson. A graduate of McHenry High School, he obtained his master’s degree in education and fine arts from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb.  He was an art teacher at Woodstock High School for 33 years, retiring in 1993. He was also an art instructor at McHenry County College for several years. He was a life member of the Illinois  Teachers Association and a life member of the McHenry County Retired Teachers Association. He was instrumental in restoring the ceiling

Margaret J. Ritzert, 94, died May 9, 2017, at Willowfield Nursing Home, Delavan, Wis. She was born Jan. 7, 1923, to Robert and Beatrice Byars in Chelmsford, England. She came to the United States at a very young age. She graduated from Harrison High School. She became a citizen on Nov. 27, 1950. She married William E. Ritzert Jan. 25, 1946. Bill and Margaret traveled a lot after Bill retired, settling in Polk City, Fla. She stayed in Florida until her daughter brought her to Wisconsin in 2015. Survivors include two daughters, Bonnie (Larry) Sandy and Peggy Brunschon (Bob Dacy); seven grandchildren, Brett Sandy, David Sandy, Shannon Schultz, Kimberly (Dout) VandeWalker, Kassondra (Neil) Schroeder, Emily (Dustyn) Sawall and Ryan Ritzert;

Luigi Pietro Mariutto, 83, Woodstock, died Wednesday, May 3, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 29, 1933, to Ubaldo and Eleanora Mariutto in Orgnese, Italy. Luigi was a skilled artisan working in tile and terrazzo for decades with the Bricklayer’s Union in Detroit, Mich. He leaves a legacy of beautiful installations throughout Michigan, England and Italy. Luigi is survived by his wife of 62 years, Luisa; a daughter, Eleanor (Mark) Kuczera; and a son, Paolo (Mary) Mariutto. Luigi took great pride in his grandchildren, Danielle (Paolo) Cairoli, Nicolas (Emily) Kuczera, Jude Mariutto and Joseph Mariutto. Nonno, as they called him, was a role model, instilling the importance of hard work, education and family. He supported them

R. Barry Bollensen, 84, Springfield, died Monday, May 15, 2017, at Memorial Medical Center. He was born Dec. 5, 1932, to Robert H. and Martha Constable Bollensen in Evanston. On Oct. 29, 2004, he married Judith Nystrom in Rock Island. He graduated from Northwestern University and worked as the assistant director of the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts from 1978 to 1994 in Springfield. Prior to 1978 he worked as state director of the National Council on Crime and Delinquency in Hawaii and Illinois. He was also the Chief of Probation and Parole in Dade County, Fla. He was a member of many professional organizations and volunteered at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Salvation Army Adult Rehab

Thomas A. Grey, 68, Woodstock, died. He was born March 13, 1949, to Lawrence and Verna (Parkhurst) Grey in Evanston. On Sept. 25, 1976, Tom married Nancy A. Weber. Tom proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as an MP from 1968 to 1972.  He worked for ComEd for more than 30 years. He was also an umpire for many years for IHSA girls softball and volleyball. Some of his favorite pastimes were fishing and birdwatching.  Tom loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. He will forever be remembered for his generosity to his family and friends.  Survivors include his children, Matthew (Kristine) Grey, Wauconda, and Elizabeth (Adam) Hogan, Woodstock; grandchildren, Alexzander Grey and Connor, Camryn and Clayton Hogan;

Cameron Lee Vance, 53, Woodstock, died Tuesday, May 2, 2017, in Libertyville.  He was born May 9, 1963, to Richard and Carol (Huls) Vance in Carthage.  He was a driver for Metalmaster for the past 15 years. He was an avid Wisconsin Badgers fan and loved rock and roll and fast cars. Cameron enjoyed spending time in the sun at the beach. He was a proud friend of Bill W. for the past 16 years. Survivors include his children, Meghan (Larry) Grom and Devon Vance; his father; two sisters, Amy (Tim) Corvillion and Jamie Vance; and nieces and nephews, Christopher, Garrett, Morgan and Carter. He was preceded in death by his mother. Visitation and memorial service were held May 5

Mary Belle Werner, 86, Sheboygan, Wis., died Sunday, April 9, 2017, after a brave battle with breast cancer. She was born Jan. 7, 1931, to Frank and Esther (Ries) Bersch. She attended North High School, where she met Anthony “Pat” Werner, the love of her life. On June 30, 1951, they were married. Mary Belle was an avid reader, painter, gardener and Scrabble player. She sang in her church choir and was a leader in the pro-life movement in Sheboygan County and volunteered in many organizations. Survivors include eight children; 14 grandchildren;  seven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Joan Schrettler, Ester Vadnais, Woodstock, and Fran Bigari; and two brothers, Dennis and John. She was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter,

Ann Therese (Guarrine) Grandau, 86, Woodstock, died April 27, 2017, with her family at her side. Ann was greeted in heaven by her beloved husband, Joe, and their youngest child, Antonette.  She was born June 30, 1930, to Alma (Lesner) and John Guarrine in Schiller Park.  She attended Gage Park High School and later studied at Richard J. Daley College.  On June 30, 1951, she married Joseph Grandau. They had 10 children, and lived in Markham and Chicago before retiring to Mendota.  They enjoyed traveling, camping, gardening, fishing and having get-togethers with family and friends,  while making wonderful memories. Joe died in 2001, after 50 years of marriage. In 2005, Ann moved to Woodstock, living with family and continuing her

Roland C. Reymann Sr., 74, Richmond, died Sunday, April 30, 2017, at Centegra Hospital-McHenry. He was born to Heinz and Emma (Nollenberger) Reymann in Chicago.   On Sept. 10, 1965, he married Karen Bradkowski in Woodstock. In his younger years, Roland worked as a baker. He later worked for Union Special where he eventually became a foreman on the night shift. After leaving Union Special, Roland worked at the McHenry County Government Center. He was an avid White Sox, Blackhawks and Bulls fan. He was also big Elvis fan and collector of Elvis memorabilia. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his loving family. Survivors include his loving wife; a son, Roland Reymann Jr.; three grandchildren, Christopher Reymann, Alexander

Mavis J. Tatro 83, Wonder Lake, died Saturday April 29, 2017, at her home. She was born Sept. 30, 1933, to George and Blanche (Akin) McGinnis in Chicago.  In 1952, she married Edward Tatro in Chicago. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She fostered 17 children. She was loved and will be missed. Survivors include two sons, Edward (Cheryl) Tatro and Dayle (Trish) Tatro; a daughter, Vickie Tatro; 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister, Wanda Hill. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a daughter, Gigi Ponczek. The visitation and funeral were May 6 at the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. Burial was at McHenry County Memorial Park.